Conditions of Work Environments in Fostering Transfer of Training

Abstract

This chapter aims to identify and validate workplace conditions that promote the transfer of training. That is, the applicability and application of knowledge, attitudes or skills learnt in training to work activities. In a study of improvement of occupational health and safety workplace practices, the transfer of training is measured by the amount of: (1) attempts of application, (2) favourable effect on trainees in regard of knowledge, attitudes and performance and (3) favourable effect on organizational level. The study investigated the relations between factors on the organizational level and transfer of training. Three kinds of factors were analyzed: (1) support of superiors and colleagues (e.g. getting feedback on the application), (2) working conditions (e.g. workload and decision-making power) and (3) general workplace affordances (e.g. organizational climate). It was found that all three factors play an important role in facilitating the transfer of training. Results suggest that the management of organizations needs to understand that: (1) transfer does not happen automatically, and (2) they play a role in either fostering or hindering transfer of training through the kinds of working conditions that make the implementation of learnt knowledge and skills more or less likely.

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